Chocolate Clouds

Chocolate Clouds Recipe from USA with Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35-45 minutes | Servings: 12-15 cookies

Introduction

Chocolate Clouds are a delightful and decadent dessert that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. These light and airy cookies are made with egg whites, sugar, cocoa, and chocolate chips, creating a rich and indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion.

History

The origins of Chocolate Clouds are a bit unclear, but they are believed to have been inspired by traditional meringue cookies. These cookies have been a popular dessert for many years, with their light and fluffy texture making them a favorite among both children and adults.

Ingredients

3 egg whites
0.13 tsp cream of tartar
0.75 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp HERSHEY'S cocoa
2 cups (12 oz or 340 g) HERSHEY'S semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C).
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil.
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar at high speed using a mixer until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the sugar and vanilla, beating well after each addition until stiff peaks form, the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture is glossy.
Sift the cocoa onto the egg white mixture and gently fold it in until combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Drop the mixture by heaping tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheet.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the cookies are dry.
Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then peel them off the paper.
Cool completely on a wire rack.
Store the cookies, covered, at room temperature.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cookie mixture for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form to ensure a light and airy texture.

- Be gentle when folding in the cocoa and chocolate chips to avoid deflating the egg whites.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to ensure they are crisp and dry.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Chocolate Clouds with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delicious and satisfying dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the egg whites until stiff peaks form is key to creating the light and airy texture of Chocolate Clouds.

- Folding in the cocoa and chocolate chips gently ensures the cookies remain fluffy and not dense.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

- You can use almond extract or peppermint extract instead of vanilla extract for a unique twist on the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Chocolate Clouds can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Chocolate Clouds on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chocolate Clouds with a glass of red wine or a cup of hot tea for a sophisticated dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chocolate Clouds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Clouds contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Clouds contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Clouds contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Clouds contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Clouds are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chocolate Clouds contain eggs and dairy in the form of chocolate chips, so they may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Chocolate Clouds are a sweet and indulgent treat that are relatively low in calories and contain moderate amounts of carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Chocolate Clouds are a delicious and indulgent dessert that are perfect for any occasion. With their light and airy texture and rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Chocolate Clouds. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, with a vast collection of recipes passed down through generations. I would spend hours watching her cook, mesmerized by the way she effortlessly created delicious dishes from scratch.

One day, as I sat at the kitchen table watching my grandmother prepare dinner, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook from the cupboard. As she flipped through the pages, her eyes lit up when she came across a recipe for Chocolate Clouds. She explained to me that this was a special recipe that she had learned from a dear friend many years ago. The name alone was enough to pique my interest – who wouldn't want to taste something as heavenly as Chocolate Clouds?

My grandmother set to work gathering all the ingredients we would need to make the Chocolate Clouds. Flour, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla extract were all laid out on the counter, ready to be transformed into a decadent dessert. As my grandmother began to mix the ingredients together, a rich chocolatey aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

I watched intently as my grandmother worked her magic, folding in the egg whites to create a light and airy batter. She carefully spooned the mixture onto a baking sheet, forming perfect little mounds that would soon bake into fluffy Chocolate Clouds. As she placed the tray in the oven, I could hardly wait for them to be done.

The minutes ticked by slowly, each second feeling like an eternity as the tantalizing scent of chocolate wafted through the air. Finally, the timer dinged, and my grandmother pulled the tray of Chocolate Clouds out of the oven. They were a beautiful golden brown, with a slight crispness on the outside and a soft, gooey center that promised a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

I eagerly grabbed one of the Chocolate Clouds and took a bite. The sweetness of the chocolate mixed with the light, fluffy texture was like nothing I had ever tasted before. It was pure bliss in every bite, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

As my grandmother and I sat at the kitchen table enjoying our Chocolate Clouds, she shared with me the story of how she had first learned to make this delectable dessert. It was during a summer spent at her aunt's farm, where she had befriended a young girl named Lucy who had a talent for baking. Lucy had taught my grandmother the secret to creating the perfect Chocolate Clouds, and my grandmother had cherished that recipe ever since.

Over the years, my grandmother had made the Chocolate Clouds countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. She had shared the recipe with friends and family, spreading the joy of this heavenly dessert far and wide. And now, as I sat at the kitchen table with my grandmother, savoring the last bite of my Chocolate Cloud, I knew that this recipe would continue to be a cherished tradition in our family for generations to come.